Exploring the Hiring Patterns of Big 4 and Mid-tier Firms in the UAE

• The UAE is home to some of the world’s largest accounting and consulting firms, such as the “Big 4.”
• There are also many Tier II professional services firms, such as Grant Thornton and BDO, that offer high-quality services.
• Let’s explore how the hiring pattern works in these top-tier firms.

Hiring Pattern of Big 4 Firms in UAE

There are usually eight divisions in major Consulting firms namely,

1. IT Division – This division provides IT consulting services to clients. This division has a mix of Finance Professionals and Technically Skilled people.
2. Divisions for company formations and other litigation matters – This division in the Big 4 typically handles legal services related to business formations, compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, and dispute resolution. This part is usually made up of Company Secretaries and Lawyers.
3. Accounting / Finance Controller divisions – This division is responsible for providing financial accounting and reporting services to clients, including assistance with financial statements, bookkeeping, and accounting software. Accountants, Finance Managers, and Controllers for the outsourced work of entities are hired in these divisions.
4. Payroll Management Division – This division provides payroll and benefits administration services to clients, including advice on payroll compliance, tax obligations, and employee benefits. Consists of Payroll Executives, Payroll Accountants, and HR personnel.
5. Internal Audit Division – Provides internal audit services to clients, including evaluating and improving internal controls, identifying operational inefficiencies, and assessing risk management processes. This division consists of Internal Auditors, Compliance Officers, and Risk Management Personnel.
6. Statutory Audit Division – Provides external audit services to clients, including performing independent audits of financial statements. This division may include Chartered Accountants, Audit Executives, and Financial Analysts.
7. Internal Organization Consultancy Division – This division consists of professionals who provide consultancy services to improve the company’s organizational structure, processes, and policies. These professionals may include Organizational Development Consultants, Process Improvement Specialists, and HR Personnel.
8. Compliance Division – Provides advice and support to clients on regulatory compliance, including monitoring compliance with laws, regulations, and industry standards. This division consists of Compliance Officers, Legal Advisors, and Regulatory experts.

With the upcoming implementation of Corporate Tax, the demand for professionals in various sectors is growing rapidly.

As a result, Big 4 firms are currently conducting a higher number of recruitments. One can apply for open positions through the firms’ career websites or other job portals such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Naukrigulf.

Tier II Professional Services Firms in UAE

These Tier II firms in auditing, consultancy, and advisory offer regular job openings in the UAE, similar to the Big 4 firms.

They hire a range of professionals, including chartered accountants, as well as others, for various roles.

Some of those Mid-tier firms in the UAE are,

• BDO
• Grant Thornton
• Baker Tilly
• RSM
• HLB HAMT
• UHY JAMES
• Kreston Menon
• Mayur Batra & Co.
• Premier Brains
• Crowe Horwath Chartered Accountants

Hiring Pattern of Tier II Professional Services Firm in UAE

Mid-tier or Tier II firms have a hierarchical department structure that includes the following:

1. Executive Leadership Team: This team includes the company’s senior executives, who are responsible for setting the company’s overall strategy and direction.
2. Audit and Assurance: This department provides audit and assurance services to clients across various industries, including financial services, manufacturing, and technology. This department usually includes auditors, accountants, and financial analysts who provide assurance services to clients.
3. Tax Services: This department provides tax advisory, compliance, and planning services to clients, including individual, corporate, and international tax. This department includes tax consultants, tax accountants, and tax lawyers who are experts in various areas of taxation, such as Corporate Tax, Value-Added Tax (VAT), and International Tax.
4. Advisory Services: This department provides a range of consulting services, including financial advisory, risk management, and transaction advisory. Professionals in this department may include management consultants, IT consultants, financial consultants, and risk management experts.
5. Business Support Services: This department provides back-office support services to the firm’s clients, including accounting, payroll, and other administrative services. This may include human resources, marketing, IT, and other support staff who help ensure the smooth functioning of the firm.
6. Forensic and Investigation Services: This division provides forensic accounting and investigation services to help clients prevent and detect fraud, investigate financial crimes, and resolve disputes. Professionals in this division may include certified fraud examiners (CFEs), forensic accountants, data analysts, and investigators with backgrounds in law enforcement, accounting, or auditing.

Career Opportunities in Big 4s and Tier II Firms in the UAE 

There are a lot of opportunities in the Big 4s (PWC, KPMG, Deloitte, EY) in the UAE for Assurance, Advisory, and Consultancy roles.

Big 4 firms offer international opportunities to their employees and starting your career with them can be very rewarding in the future.

Additionally, the pay structure is usually higher in Big 4s than in Tier II and Tier III firms in the UAE. These firms also have a lot of open positions in all fields due to high attrition rates among employees.

With Corporate Tax becoming effective from 1st June 2023, they are also looking to hire Tax Professionals for every level. Anyone who’s served in multiple tax jurisdictions and has impressive tax background is highly sought after.

Tier II professional services firms may be less well-known, but they also offer high-quality services and expertise in their respective fields.

They hire finance professionals for roles similar to the Big 4s.

According to Alchemy Search’s data, the headcount for the Big 4 firms is a lot higher, but Grant Thornton is growing the fastest in terms of consultancy practice.

Reportedly BDO is going to hire a lot in the area of tax in the upcoming months of 2023.

Boutique Firms such as Crowe, Alvarez and Marsal, Teneo, and FTI Consulting are on a hiring spree as well.